If you’ve ever dreamed of a warm, flaky pastry filled with a sweet, creamy surprise that bursts with fruit flavor, then you need the Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe in your life. These delightful little treats combine the rich tang of cream cheese with the vibrant pop of cherry pie filling, all wrapped in a perfectly golden crescent roll. And the best part? The air fryer turns them into a quick, fuss-free indulgence that’s crisp on the outside and heavenly inside. Whether you’re making breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is your shortcut to easy elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the creamy texture, sweet-tart flavor, and that luscious golden finish that makes these croissants irresistible.
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides a flaky and buttery base for your delicious filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and helps it whip into a luscious filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mix.
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling: Delivers that jewel-toned burst of fruity sweetness inside each croissant.
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze): Lightens the glaze for a perfect drizzle.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a shiny, sweet finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir it until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy — this will be the luscious center of your croissants that melts slightly as they bake.
Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough and gently separate it into 8 triangles. Each triangle is your canvas for creating delicious pockets of flavor, so be gentle to avoid ripping the dough.
Step 3: Fill the Croissants
Spread about one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Next, top it with 1 to 2 cherries from the pie filling — careful not to overfill, or the filling might leak out while cooking. This combination promises a perfect sweet-tart balance in every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Start rolling the triangle from the wide end toward the point, folding in the sides slightly to help keep that cherry cream cheese filling inside. This step ensures your croissants bake up neat and tidy with gooey centers.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the filled croissants in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch — this helps them crisp evenly. Set your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Optional Glaze Drizzle
While your croissants cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm croissants for a glossy, sweet finishing touch that makes them look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top can elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor. For a gourmet touch, add a handful of toasted sliced almonds or a light dusting of cinnamon to complement the cherry filling.
Side Dishes
These croissants pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. The richness of the croissants balances beautifully with lighter, refreshing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these croissants in a decorative basket lined with a pretty napkin for casual entertaining, or plate them alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or mascarpone for dipping. These little touches turn a simple Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe into a delightful experience that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any croissants left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh while maintaining that flaky exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked filled croissants by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time for fresh, hot pastries anytime.
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen croissants, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This reheating method restores the crispiness and warms the filling beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pie filling instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Blueberry, apple, or even peach pie fillings work wonderfully with the cream cheese. Just be cautious not to overfill as some fillings are more liquidy and may leak.
Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?
Normally, the crescent roll dough has enough butter content to prevent sticking, but if you’re concerned, a light spray of non-stick cooking spray will keep your croissants safe from breaking apart when you remove them.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! This Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe is very beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the air fryer does most of the work, delivering bakery-style results with minimal effort.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and choose a crescent roll dough without dairy. Just remember the texture may vary slightly, but it’s still delicious.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling or glaze?
You can substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar in the filling, but it won’t be as smooth. For the glaze, powdered sugar is best for that silky drizzle, but a simple honey or maple syrup topping works as a tasty alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe genuinely feels like a little slice of heaven you can whip up anytime. From the creamy, dreamy filling to the golden, flaky crust, it’s a treat that will brighten your mornings or sweeten up your afternoons. Give it a try, and I promise these croissants will become one of your favorite go-to recipes whenever you want a quick, delightful indulgence.
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Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully flaky and golden, these Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Croissants combine the buttery crescent roll dough with a sweet and creamy cherry filling, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Croissants
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
Optional Glaze
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles on a clean surface.
- Fill Croissants: Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle. Then, place 1 to 2 cherries from the pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Croissants: Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll up the dough, slightly tucking in the sides to enclose the filling and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Air Fry: Arrange the filled croissants in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the croissants are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove croissants from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to set.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm croissants for added sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Be careful not to overfill the croissants to prevent the cherry filling from leaking during air frying.
- Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other flavors such as blueberry or apple for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
